Review: THE SHADOW: THE SILVER SCOURGE by Walter B. Gibson *** out of *****

Diverting The Shadow story, with twists aplenty, about a lavish money counterfeiting scheme, political maneuvering, and the dead coming back to life! It's mid-range Gibson, which means that it's never boring but pretty forgettable, with The Shadow playing a somewhat minor role.

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Text © Ahmed Khalifa. 2022.

Ahmed Khalifa is a filmmaker and novelist. He is the writer/director of several short films and a feature, which was released on Netflix, and the author of a number of novels and short stories, including the YA horror novel, Beware The Stranger, available on Amazon. He is also the host of The Dark Fantastic Podcast. Find him on Twitter @AFKhalifa and on Facebook @Dark.Fantastic.AK·Writer

Introducing THE DARK FANTASTIC PODCAST

If you're a constant visitor to this website, then you know it's dedicated to all things movies, books, and TV, especially hidden gems in all genres.

We have now launched The Dark Fantastic Podcast, an expansion of what is featured on the site, with exclusive audio short stories, and interviews with writers, filmmakers, and creators in all fields.

This latest episode, features Ahmed Khalifa talking about why he thinks Dean Koontz is, in some ways, better than Stephen King; a brief history of pulp fiction's greatest character, The Shadow; and an exclusive interview with author Will Murray, whose latest book, Master of Mystery: The Rise of The Shadow, is out now. Enjoy!

Listen to "Episode 2: Dean Koontz Returns and The Shadow Rises, W\Author Will Murray" on Spreaker.

Book Review: THE SHADOW: CRIME, INSURED. By Walter B. Gibson *** out of *****

One of the more famous The Shadow tales, Crime, Insured, has a wild premise: crooks in New York are getting bolder, more reckless, so The Shadow investigates, ultimately discovering that there's a master criminal actually selling crime insurance, protecting crooks if their plans fail. It's a far-fetched premise, bordering on silliness, and the lack of any memorable villains make this a somewhat slow-going story. It does, however, feature a great twist, and it is one of the few tales where The Shadow seems to be in real danger. A diverting read for fans, no more, no less.

Text © Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.

Ahmed Khalifa is a filmmaker and novelist. He is the writer/director of several short films and a feature, which was released on Netflix, and the author of a number of novels and short stories, including the YA horror novel, Beware The Stranger, available on Amazon. Find him on Twitter @AFKhalifa and on Facebook @Dark.Fantastic.AK·Writer

Book Review: THE SHADOW: FOXHOUND. By Theodore Tinsley *** out of *****

Written by Theodore Tinsley (in place of the character's creator Walter B. Gibson), Foxhound is an entertaining and fast-paced thriller. Unlike Gibson, who always shows restraint when it comes to violence, Tinsley's writing is edgier and more lurid, and his portrayal of The Shadow as more fallible and vulnerable is interesting, since Gibson rarely allows The Shadow to falter.

While Tinsley's prose is lean and his pacing is gripping, his writing lacks style, and Gibson's penchant for puzzle-like plots and noirish/Gothic atmospherics is missed.

All in all, a solid entry in The Shadow cannon, and Tinsley's contributions bring a freshness to The Shadow's story. Recommended.

Text © Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.

Ahmed Khalifa is a filmmaker and novelist. He is the writer/director of the independent feature film Wingrave, released on Netflix, and the author of a number of novels and short stories, including the YA horror novel, Beware The Stranger, available on Amazon. Find him on Twitter @AFKhalifa and on Facebook @Dark.Fantastic.AK·Writer

Book Review: THE SHADOW: THE STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE OF JOE CARDONA. By Walter B. Gibson ** out of *****

Dull The Shadow tale about an evil scientist who kills his victims with a poison that clots the blood and turns the victims' corpses purple. The Shadow doesn't have much to do, the villain's identity is obvious, and the ending is lame. Avoid.

Text © Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.

Ahmed Khalifa is a filmmaker and novelist. He is the writer/director of the feature film Wingrave, released on Netflix, and the author of a number of novels and short stories, including the YA horror novel, Beware The Stranger, available on Amazon. Find him on Twitter @AFKhalifa and on Facebook @Dark.Fantastic.AK·Writer

Book Review: THE SHADOW : CITY OF CRIME By Walter B. Gibson ** out of *****

Underwhelming and incoherent The Shadow tale, with repetitive action sequences and a weak plot revolving around corruption and political intrigue in a small city. One of the dullest The Shadow stories. Avoid.

Text © Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.

Ahmed Khalifa is a filmmaker and novelist. He is the writer/director of the feature film Wingrave, released on Netflix, and the author of a number of novels and short stories, including the YA horror novel, Beware The Stranger, available on Amazon. Find him on Twitter @AFKhalifa and on Facebook @Dark.Fantastic.AK·Writer

Book Review: THE SHADOW: THE GOLDEN MASKS by Walter B. Gibson *** OUT OF *****

The Shadow battles a secret society with roots in Africa, in this exciting, fast-paced, if forgettable adventure. It has a couple of clever twists, and Gibson's attention to detail in the escape sequences is always fascinating. But the plot is thin, and the finale unmemorable. Recommended for fans, though.

Text © Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.

Ahmed Khalifa is a filmmaker and novelist. He is the writer/director of the feature film Wingrave, released on Netflix, and the author of a number of novels and short stories, including the YA horror novel, Beware The Stranger, available on Amazon. Find him on Twitter @AFKhalifa and on Facebook @Dark.Fantastic.AK·Writer

Book Review: THE SHADOW: THE GRAY GHOST By Walter B. Gibson *** and a 1\2 out of *****

Fast-moving and entertaining The Shadow adventure, centering on a seemingly invincible cat burglar called "The Gray Ghost". Gibson keeps things moving at a brisk pace, with plenty of action and a few twists. The ending, though a bit hurried and light on surprises, is action-packed and atmospheric.

Text © Ahmed Khalifa. 2020.

Book Review: THE SHADOW: THE THIRD SHADOW. By Walter B. Gibson ** out of *****

Lackluster The Shadow adventure, with a ludicrous central premise (two crooks consecutively impersonate The Shadow to take out their competition), and a lame twist. Sure to disappoint even the most devoted fans.

Text © Ahmed Khalifa. 2020.

Book Review: THE SHADOW: ZEMBA By Walter B. Gibson. *** out of *****

Reportedly, Zemba is one of Walter B. Gibson’s favorite Shadow stories, and it is easy to see why: It takes place in Paris, allowing Gibson an exotic locale in which to set his adventure; it features a slew of red herrings and double identities; there is plenty of intense gunfights; and the ending, in which all is revealed, is a master stroke of deception worthy of Gibson, a veteran illusionist himself.

It is an entertaining and ultimately very clever mystery, but it is also slightly marred by numerous slow patches, a central villain that is not very interesting, and a plot that is almost dizzyingly complex.

All in all, an entertaining if flawed Shadow story, worth reading for the ending alone.

Text © Ahmed Khalifa. 2020.

Review: The Shadow: Bells of Doom. By Walter B. Gibson ** out of ****

Serviceable The Shadow mystery, with intriguing Gothic overtones. But the convoluted plot and lack of a villain worthy of The Shadow's abilities, make it a forgettable entry.

© Ahmed Khalifa. 2019.

Review: The Shadow: Lingo. By Walter B. Gibson *** out ****

Layered, dazzlingly complex The Shadow mystery, which features some of Walter B. Gibson's best writing, and a plot so clever, it's almost a magic act. Typically, The Shadow stories fall into one of three categories: stories about small town crime syndicates, stories about a devious, almost omnipotent villain, and stories about organized crime. Lingo is arguably Gibson's ultimate tale about organized crime, with a large cast of characters, plenty of twists, and an ending that is sure to impress both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. Highly recommended.

© Ahmed Khalifa. 2019.

Book Review: THE SHADOW: GRAY FIST. By Walter B. Gibson *** out of four

A fan favorite, Gray Fist is an action-packed if thinly plotted The Shadow adventure, which benefits from a break-neck pace and a villain who almost brings The Shadow to his knees. Twists and turns aplenty.

© Ahmed Khalifa. 2019.

Review: THE SHADOW: MOX. By Walter B. Gibson ** out of four

Minor entry in The Shadow cannon, with a couple of interesting twists. But it's more of a standard mystery story, pretty much of its time, with The Shadow making a few appearances. Readable but forgettable.

© Ahmed Khalifa. 2019.

Book Review: The Shadow: The Golden Master. By Walter B. Gibson *** out of four

Featuring The Shadow's arch-enemy, Shiwan Khan, and with nonstop action from the first page, The Golden Master is an enjoyable, if forgettable, read, with a fascinating villain with psychic powers, who is strangely underused. It is the basis for the 1994 film adaptation starring Alec Baldwin. Shiwan Khan next appears in the superior Shiwan Khan Returns.

Book Review: THE SHADOW: MOBSMEN ON THE SPOT By Walter B. Gibson. ** and 1\2 out of ****

Fast-paced, action-packed adventure, with plenty of impressive action set-pieces and chase sequences. It also serves as a backstory for Cliff Marsland, one of the most prominent agents of The Shadow. Recommended.

Text © Ahmed Khalifa. 2018.

Book Review: THE SHADOW: SHADOWED MILLIONS By Walter B. Gibson. **1\2 out of ****

Part mystery, part financial thriller, Shadowed Millions is an entertaining and complex entry in The Shadow cannon. It features double identities, murder, plenty of twists and turns, and loads of action. It might not be one of The Shadow's best, but it is an atmospheric page-turner.

Text © Ahmed Khalifa. 2018.

Book Review: THE SHADOW: THE DEATH TOWER By Walter B. Gibson ** and 1/2 out of ****

Highly readable and atmospheric entry in the adventures of The Shadow, with a memorably devious villain and an exciting finale. Recommended.

Text © Ahmed Khalifa. 2018.

Book Review: THE SHADOW'S SHADOW By Walter B. Gibson ** and 1/2 out of ****

Fast-paced, action packed adventure featuring The Shadow, with some riveting action sequences and fascinating glimpses into the The Shadow's past. Marred only by a lackluster finale.

Text © Ahmed Khalifa. 2018.

Book Review: THE SHADOW: THE DEATH SLEEP By Walter B. Gibson ** and 1/2 out of ****

Average tale in The Shadow cannon, which benefits from some entertaining detective work, a few twists, and a satisfying climax. A diverting if forgettable read.

Text © Ahmed Khalifa. 2018.